The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

This year, Egyptian students made an impressive mark on the global stage, claiming seven of eight awards in the Interior Design/Student Projects category at the 48th World Architecture Community Awards (WA Awards). Known for celebrating innovative, sustainable and inspiring projects in architecture and design, this year’s awards have highlighted the creativity and talent emerging from Egypt. Let’s dive into the winners and explore their unique projects that captivated the judges and the global architecture community alike.

1. International Expo Exhibition –  Rahma Ibrahim Abdelatif 

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Rahma Ibrahim Abdelatif’s project for Egypt’s international expo exhibition presents a striking blend of modernity and cultural heritage. Inspired by the flowing forms of sandbanks, her design features sleek, mushroom-like steel columns coated in luxurious gold. These elements celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Middle East, incorporating abstracted lines and decorative motifs from different traditions. The project masterfully merges global cultures within a modern framework, creating an innovative and deeply rooted traditional structure.

2. Plantopia, Botanical Scientific Center –  Omar Elhorany

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Omar Elhorany’s Plantopia is a visionary Botanical Scientific Center designed for Dahab Island. Serving as a hub for research, education, and environmental awareness, the centre blends natural elements with modern architecture. Its interior is dominated by white steel columns resembling tree branches, supporting a perforated ceiling that mirrors the organic forms of nature. The design fosters a strong connection between visitors and the natural world, encouraging environmental awareness through immersive experiences. By prioritising sustainability and promoting well-being, Plantopia inspires visitors to care for the planet and embrace eco-conscious practices.

3. DUNES Therapeutic Center For Rheumatoid – Nour Farid

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Nour Farid’s Dunes is a therapeutic centre designed to offer sand therapy to rheumatoid patients in Safaga Soma Bay along the Red Sea. The coral-hued structures blend seamlessly into the desert landscape, reflecting a harmony with nature. The centre’s curvilinear design minimises heat while providing cool, shaded spaces, creating a tranquil sanctuary for visitors. By combining physical and spiritual wellness, Dunes offers a holistic healing environment, utilising Egypt’s natural resources to promote well-being and sustainability while highlighting the benefits of sand therapy in treating rheumatoid diseases.

4. Syrian Culture Center – Aya Alhamad

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Aya Alhamad’s design for the Syrian Cultural Center in Giza’s 6th of October district draws inspiration from Mamluk architecture, incorporating arches, domes, and courtyards to reflect the shared heritage of Damascus and Cairo. Located in the Green Belt, the centre emphasises sustainability through natural lighting and airflow, using skylights and clerestory windows. Serving Egypt’s significant Syrian community, the centre aims to preserve cultural ties while offering essential services. This project blends historical design elements with eco-friendly practices, creating a space that celebrates Arab artistic heritage while promoting environmental consciousness.

5. Keramika Handcfafts Academy in Fayoum – Zeinah Nabil

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Zeinah Nabil’s project, the Keramika Handcrafts Academy in Fayoum, highlights sustainability and local craftsmanship by using eco-friendly materials like mud bricks and palm fronds. The academy’s architecture uses high openings and ventilation bricks to promote natural ventilation, and solar panels provide clean energy. With their organic shapes and vivid colours that capture the workshops’ creativity, the interiors reflect the handicrafts that are taught. This academy promotes climate action and high-quality education while acting as a hub for local craftsmen by providing training in crafts, including weaving, pottery, and palm fronds.

6. Smart Nature Museum – Gamela Anwar

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Gamela Anwar’s Smart Nature Museum in Sheikh Zayed is a forward-thinking project that aims to raise awareness about nature’s vital role in urban areas. The design features sustainable elements like vertical gardens and heat-reducing louvres, seamlessly blending eco-friendly materials with modern architectural techniques. The museum not only educates visitors on the effects of urbanisation but also promotes a deeper connection with nature. Inspired by the vision of a “Third Generation City,” the concept seeks to encourage visitors to reconsider their relationship with the natural world in a rapidly urbanising society.

7. Coral Shore Research Complex – Aseel Bajuneid

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Aseel Bajuneid’s Coral Shore Research Complex Centre tackles the urgent issue of climate change by focusing on preserving coral reefs. Inspired by the organic forms of coral, the centre uses sustainable materials like recycled limestone alongside advanced systems like solar energy and water recycling to create an eco-friendly and self-sufficient building. With a design concept that mirrors coral reefs’ protective nature, this innovative complex blends environmental sustainability with cutting-edge architectural design, promoting marine conservation while adhering to global climate action goals.